Our CARF-accredited WORKonnection Program offers a full spectrum of services designed to evaluate the worker, work and the work place, providing solutions to ever-changing problems. Programs serve the needs of the employer and the worker by providing clear, objective and accurate information.

Prevention Education
Occupational and Physical Therapists work closely with employers and employees to minimize the company's potential risks by analyzing needs, identifying possible solutions, and empowering employees to solve problems. Educational programs may include:
· Instruction in proper lifting techniques
· Ergonomics Instruction
· Various other general health and wellness activities

Stretching Program Implementation
Pre-work stretching programs can make a dramatic improvement on a company's bottom line by reducing workplace muskuloskeletal injuries. Our therapists work with the employer to assess needs, develop a stretching program, and provide training to supervisors and line workers.

Post-Offer/Pre-Work Screen
Screens will provide employers with specific information on the relationship between the critical demands of a job and physical capabilities of the potential workers. The screens are developed to measure functional capabilities in a non-discriminatory way. It matches the right worker to the right work.
· Ideal for post-offers, job transfers, and injured workers.
· Adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Provides objective testing to determine a person's maximum abilities and limitations in work related tasks. Educates workers of their capabilities so re-injury can be prevented. This comprehensive test assesses a worker's ability to perform specific functional work tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, reaching, squatting, bending and fine and gross motor activities, as well as job specific tasks.
· Results of the FCE are compared to the critical job demands determined from a job-site analysis and job description.
· Results are helpful in making return to work decisions, setting restrictions and disability determination.

Work Hardening/Work Conditioning
Structured, goal-oriented return-to-work program for workers who have an injury or illness that prevents them from performing their normal work tasks or from accessing competitive employment. This CARF accredited program focuses on using work simulation to increase overall strength and endurance. Productivity, safety and work behaviors are addressed. Individualized programs are developed based on performance on the FCE and specific job demands. Goals are assessed and updated weekly.

While traditionally performed at WMH, work conditioning may also be performed at the job-site.

Click here for more information on Work Hardening.

On-Site Employee Assessments and/or Therapy Treatments
Companies concerned about controlling medical costs may choose to have an occupational or physical therapist on-site to assess and provide basic treatments for employees with musculskeletal concerns

Treatments include education as well as instruction in swelling reduction, flexibility and strengthening exercise. Often times, serious injuries and high medical costs can be avoided if the employee receives care at the first onset of pain symptoms.

Ergonomics Consulting
Our therapists identify ways to make the work environment safer and work more productive. After an analysis of the work, worker and work site, we provide employers with guidelines for safety and give recommendations on new work area designs, adaptive equipment, and work modification.

Call us at 920-262-4220 for more information on any of the above programs.